Top 5 Exercises and Methods to Strengthen your Hands

Most of us focus on building the strength of legs and arms when working out but often forget about our hands and wrists. While arm strength is extremely important, without strong hands and wrists, you may not be able to have a good grip.

It is important to know that arm and forearm strengthening exercises often do not focus on building hand strength. There are a separate set of exercises for this purpose and the following is a list of the top 5 exercises and methods to strengthen your hands:

1. Make a Fist

This is a rather simple yet very effective way to build the strength of your hands. This exercise not only works on your hands but also on your fingers and helps to increase range of the motion. Making a fist also provides you with the amazing benefit of pain relief and can be done anywhere, anytime. To do this exercise, you need to first make a gentle fist by wrapping your thumb around your fingers and hold this for about 30 to 60 seconds. Now release and spread your fingers wide. Repeat with both hands atleast 4 times.

2. Finger Stretch

Another superb exercise which can help you build hands strength is finger stretch. It improves the range of motions in your hand and also provides pain relief. To do this, you first need to place your hand in a palm down position on a flat surface or table and then straighten your fingers as flat as you can without forcing your joints. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds and then release. Do this atleast 4 times with both hands.

3. Claw Stretch

This is yet another effective way to build hand strength and improves range of motion of your fingers. You first need to hold your hand out in front of you, palm facing down and then bend your fingertips down so as to touch the base of each joint of fingers. Hold this claw pose for 30 to 60 seconds and then release. Do this for 4 times with each hand.

4. Grip Strengthener

If you wish to improve the grip of your hands, then you can try holding a soft ball in your palm and then squeeze it as hard as you can. Hold for a few seconds before releasing and repeat this exercise 10 to 15 times with both the hands.

5. Finger Lift

Another brilliant exercise that you can do to strengthen your hands is the finger lift exercise. Use this exercise to improve the motion and flexibility of your fingers. To do this, you will first need to place your hand flat, palm down on a flat surface like a table and then gently lift one finger at a time off the table before lowering it. You can also lift all your fingers and thumb at once and then lower them together. Repeat this exercise about 8 to 12 times with each of the hands.